Planning a destination wedding may sound like paradise, but from a photographer’s viewpoint, there’s a lot more behind‑the‑scenes than meets the eye. Having photographed weddings in far‑flung locales, I want to share what I’ve learned so that you can better prepare — and we can together capture your special day beautifully.
1. Share what you know about the location
If it’s a local event, I’ll typically visit the venue before the big day. But when we’re talking a destination wedding, that often isn’t possible. Instead, I dig into online research: Google Earth, venue photos, and any previous weddings held at the spot. It’s immensely helpful if you let me in on what you already know — where you’d love portraits, which spots the venue staff suggest, and any must‑have shots such as “boats in the bay next to the beach” in your example.
By reviewing all of this in advance, I can craft a shot list and be as prepared as possible, even before I land.
2. Provide a detailed schedule
When I show up at your wedding venue, I’m ready to hit the ground running. That means I need a clear timeline: ceremony time, portrait session slots, reception schedule, and any transitions between venues. You might already be familiar with how long it takes to move from point A to B — sharing that with me is incredibly useful.
If you don’t yet know, connect me with the person who does — your venue manager or event planner works well. With a solid schedule in place, we’ll maximize every minute and avoid surprises.
3. Treat the photographer like a team member, not a guest
Going to a destination wedding doesn’t make photography a vacation for me. If you’re bringing me along, I’m there—full‑on—from the moment I arrive until the moment I leave. I recommend planning for extended coverage: getting ready shots, portraits at midday, candid moments throughout and even late‑night fun. The more you plan for me to be present, the richer your collection of images will be.
4. Anticipate jet lag
If you’re travelling across multiple time zones, give yourself at least one day of downtime once you arrive. You’ll likely be tired, possibly disoriented, and the last thing you want is to show up for portraits with bags under your eyes. Use that first day to acclimate and let me use it to scout portrait locations. Then the wedding day itself will run smoother, and you’ll look and feel better.
5. Packing: gear & wardrobe
From my end, packing lighter is often necessary. Yes, I’ll bring my key professional gear, but I may skip extra lights or props unless you request them in advance. If you’re imagining creative shots requiring unusual lighting or special items, let’s discuss these ahead of time — I may not be able to source props locally.
For you, think about your clothing choices and footwear too. For example: if your wedding is on sand or a beach, consider ease of movement (I once went barefoot as the terrain demanded). Communicate dress code and anticipate what the ground conditions will be.
6. Technology & communications
Make sure your tech game is ready. On one destination shoot, I fried my power strip by plugging into unfamiliar voltage. So from your side: bring chargers, double‑check your electronics fit the local plug and voltage, and consider buying a local SIM card upon arrival. Free WiFi can’t always be relied on, and having mobile data means we can adjust timing, handle delays, or pivot if flights or accommodation shifts unexpectedly.
Purchasing a local SIM card at the airport is typically the fastest and easiest way to stay connected — and withdrawing local currency via a fee‑free ATM can simplify logistics too.
When you commit to a destination wedding, you’re giving your photographer a chance to craft something special — a story that includes not just ceremony and portraits, but the journey, the setting, the unexpected moments. With clear communication, smart planning, and a flexible mindset, we can ensure your wedding imagery reflects the magic of both the location and the day itself.
If you’re dreaming of saying your vows somewhere far‑away, let’s chat—I’d love to be part of making those memories last.
